Santa's Christmas Prayer

The sleigh was packed,
the reindeer were fed,
But Santa still knelt
by the side of the bed.
 

"Dear Father," he prayed
"Be with me tonight.
There's much work to do
and my schedule is tight.

I must jump in my sleigh
and streak through the sky,
Knowing full well
that a reindeer can't fly.

I will visit each household
before the first light,
I'll cover the world
and all in one night.

With sleigh bells a-ringing,
I'll land on each roof,
Amid the soft clatter
of each little hoof.

To get in the house
is the difficult part,
So I'll slide down the chimney
of each little heart.

My sack will hold toys
to grant all their wishes.
The supply will be endless
like the loaves and the fishes.

I will fill all the stockings
and not leave a track.
I'll eat every cookie
that's left for my snack.

I can do all these things Lord,
only through You,
I just need your blessing,
then it's easy to do.

All this is to honor
the birth of the One,
That was sent to redeem us,
Your most Holy Son.

So to all of my friends,
lest Your glory I rob,
Please Lord, remind them,
who gave me this job."

Holiday Potluck Thursday

Join us for our Holiday Potluck this Thursday from 6-8pm. This will be our last meeting until February so bring a dish to share and come enjoy some food, friends and faith sharing.

All moms and children are welcome!

Riverside Police Dept. Safety Event

The Riverside Police Department is sponsoring a Holiday Safety Event.

When: December 17, 2010 4pm-7pm
Where: Riverside Plaza- 3500 Central Ave.

• Pledge not to drink and drive over the holiday season
• First 50 kids that safely navigate the safety city will receive a FREE HELMET
• Learn bicycle safety and holiday safety tips

For more information please visit: http://www.rpdonline.org/

True Meaning of Christmas

The Toy Bag

He placed his finger over his mouth so I would not cry out.

“What are you doing?” I started to ask. The words choked up in my throat, and I saw he had tears in his eyes. His usual jolly manner was gone. Gone was the eager, boisterous soul we all know.

He then answered me with a simple statement. “TEACH THE CHILDREN!” I was puzzled; what did he mean? He anticipated my question, and with one quick movement brought forth a miniature toy bag from behind the tree.

As I stood bewildered, Santa said, “Teach the children! Teach them the old meaning of Christmas. The meaning that now-a-days Christmas has forgotten.”

The Gifts

Santa then reached in his bag and pulled out a FIR TREE and placed it before the mantle. “Teach the children that the pure green color of the stately fir tree remains green all year round, depicting the everlasting hope of mankind, all the needles point heavenward, making it a symbol of man's thoughts turning toward heaven.”

He again reached into his bag and pulled out a brilliant STAR. “Teach the children that the star was the heavenly sign of promises long ago. God promised a Savior for the world, and the star was the sign of fulfillment of His promise.”

He then reached into his bag and pulled out a CANDLE. “Teach the children that the candle symbolizes that Christ is the light of the world, and when we see this great light we are reminded of He who displaces the darkness.”

Once again he reached into his bag and removed a WREATH and placed it on the tree. “Teach the children that the wreath symbolizes the real nature of love. Real love never ceases. Love is one continuous round of affection.”

He then pulled from his bag and ornament of HIMSELF. “Teach the children that I, Santa Clause symbolize the generosity and good will we feel during the month of December.”

He then brought out a HOLLY LEAF. “Teach the children that the holly plant represents immortality. It represents the crown of thorns worn by our Savior. The red holly represents the blood shed by Him.”

Next he pulled from his bag a GIFT and said, “Teach the children that God so loved the world that he gave…” Thanks be to God for His unspeakable gift.

Teach the children that the wise men bowed before the holy babe and presented him with gold, frankincense and myrrh. We should always give gifts in the same spirit of the wise men.”

The True Meaning of Christmas

Santa then reached in his bag and pulled out a CANDY CANE and hung it on the tree. “Teach the children that the candy cane represents the shepherds' crook. The crook on the staff helps to bring back strayed sheep to the flock. The candy cane is the symbol that we are our brother's keeper.”

He reached in again and pulled out an ANGEL. “Teach the children that it was the angels that heralded in the glorious news of the Savior's birth. The angels sang, 'Glory to God in the highest on earth peace and good will toward men.'”

Suddenly I heard a soft twinkling sound, and from his bag he pulled out a BELL. “Teach the children that as the lost sheep are found by the sound of the bell, it should ring mankind to the fold. The bell symbolizes guidance and return. Santa looked back and was pleased.

He looked back at me and I saw that the twinkle was back in his eyes. He said, “Remember, teach the children the true meaning of Christmas and do not put me in the center, for I am but a humble servant of the One that is, and I bow down to worship Him, Jesus Christ our Lord, our God.”

Thank you all!

We would like to extend a very special thank you to all of the moms who were able to provide desserts for our table at the Spaghetti Dinner tonight. We had a table full of delicious desserts, and there were no leftovers to bring home! Everyone who attended the dinner enjoyed the variety of desserts, and appreciated the time members from the mothers group had given. The parish council was pleased, and Fr. Felker gave us a personal "thank you".

Awesome job ladies!!

Thanks again!

In Motherhood,

Michele & Sarah

Holiday Toy Express

The Metrolink's Holiday Toy Express will be making a stop at the Corona Metrolink station (off the 91 @ Main St) this Sunday from 5-5:45pm. Please bring a toy for the "Spark of Love" toy drive and enjoy a night out with lights, Santa and more!

Desserts Needed for Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser

Our ministry is responsible for the dessert table at the upcoming church fundraiser, Christmas Spaghetti Dinner. The dinner is tomorrow Thursday, December 9th and you can find more information here. The Spaghetti Dinner will be fun for the entire family, as they will have a craft table, cookie decorating table, carol sing-along, and pictures with Santa. The dinner is $10 for adults and $5 for children.

We are still in need of volunteers to bake cookies, brownies and other sweets that we will be able to sell for donations at the dinner. This is a great opportunity for our ministry to raise funds and continue to grow in our member base. We also need members to help man the dessert table during the fundraiser. Please contact us ASAP if you are able to help in any way.

Please email (st.thomasccm@hotmail.com) or comment below with the type of dessert you will be able to bring.

Santa Train Dec 10-11

The Orange Empire Railway Museum will be hosting a Santa Train this weekend, December 10 and 11th. Come ride with Santa. Fun full day for the whole family, refreshments, gifts and holiday music. 11 am - 4 pm.

More information can be found here.

Church's Family Christmas Event

Family Christmas Event

Thursday, December 9th

6:00pm - 9:00pm

in the hall

Join us for an evening filled with Christmas joy and celebration!

• Spaghetti Dinner: spaghetti, salad, garlic bread and drink. Dessert Christmas cookies and hot chocolate
• Christmas Carol Sing-a-Long: Family carol book given to all attending. Cantor & music accompaniment provided.
• Photos with Santa: Professional real bearded Santa will greet all! Youth Group will provide photos for purchase
• Special Christmas sock for each child: lovely felt sock filled to the brim with goodies
• Specialty basket raffle
• Children's Christmas craft table

Tickets for the extravaganza only $10- Adult  $5 child (ages 5-10)



Holiday Events at Promenade Shops at Dos Lagos

The Promenade Shops at Dos Lagos in South Corona has several holiday events and activities for the family:

• Breakfast with Santa
• Photos with Santa
• Ice Skating

More information, schedules and pricing can be found here.

Join Us Friday At Our Meeting

Please join us for our upcoming meeting this Friday, December 3rd from 10am-12pm in the KDC. At this meeting we will take time to reflect and remember the true spirit of the Advent season through faith development, discussion and kid-friendly activities.


We are pleased to announce that for this meeting, the structure will be such that moms will be able to participate in faith development, as well as engage in fun Christmas activity with their children. Please note that ALL CHILDREN ARE ENCOURAGED TO ATTEND with their mothers. We will operate on a rotating cycle where there will be "stations" of mommy and me, kid fun zone, and kid-free mommy faith development.


We are asking that our members please RSVP, so that we know how much food and craft supplies to provide. We are currently in need of volunteers to bring drinks and kid-friendly snacks (string cheese/juices/squeezable yogurts). We are also accepting donations of craft supplies such as tape, scissors, glue, etc. to add to our craft box. If you are interested in bringing a snack to share, or helping with the craft activity, please contact us via email (st.thomasccm@hotmail.com) or in the comment section below. 

We look forward to growing in faith, sharing in experiences and creating memories with you and your child(ren) at our meeting this Friday!